The Environment Minister will attend the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow today after getting the all-clear for COVID.
Eamon Ryan tested positive for the virus on Friday; however, he then sat a second test which came back ‘not detected.’
In a statement, he said he took the second test on the recommendation of the HSE and that the new result meant that the case was now ‘de-notified’, with Minister Ryan free to go about his business.
The HSE said repeat COVID tests can be recommended in ‘certain instances’ – taking into account a number of factors including “viral targets detected, the reason for the test and the condition of the person having the test performed.”
It said the retests are typically ordered based on a “discussion between the testing laboratory and the person requesting the test.”
In a tweet last night, Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy called for clarity on why Minister Ryan sat a second test.
This smacks as another example of rules being changed to suit Ministers.
I’m glad second test indicated that Eamon Ryan is Covid negative, but if there is to be public confidence in testing regime then the full details of why his first test was questioned need to be clarified. https://t.co/zDjmysPvBB— Matt Carthy TD (@mattcarthy) November 7, 2021
Colm Brophy, Minister of State for development aid and the diaspora, who is also attending the conference, said Minister Ryan’s attendance is “really good news” for the Irish negotiating team in Glasgow.
“We have been supported by a very strong presence at COP in terms of our ministerial team,” he said.
“It is really important that Ireland’s voice is heard very clearly. I think we have very strong and very good positions in relation to what we are talking about at COP and it is great that Eamon Ryan will be there.”
Minister Ryan said last night that he is now looking forward to presenting Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan at the summit.
Looking forward to bringing the #ClimateActionPlan to #COP26Glasgow this week.
Thank you Anjelica and the team at @SpunOut for the questions about COP26 and the important contribution Ireland will make to climate justice. https://t.co/REg9cV3v4w
— Eamon Ryan (@EamonRyan) November 7, 2021
Negotiators at the summit in Glasgow have been urged to make ambitious commitments to tackle global warming as the conference enters its second week.
